Recommendations / Tourism / Big Idea #1: A Sense of Welcome for All

Big Idea #1: A Sense of Welcome for All

Part of the "I SAW THE SIGN" initiative

TourismMilledgeville/Baldwin$500,000–$1,000,000

Overview

Reconnect Milledgeville/Baldwin County’s many “sub-communities” by improving and investing in the entry points to Milledgeville/Baldwin County and by improving the thoroughfares that lead drivers into downtown Milledgeville. The project recommends creating or replacing gateway signage with eye-catching, attractive signage true to the community’s brand; moving away from the current sign design toward a refreshed design; using icons and destinations such as the Old Capital Museum, Georgia Military College’s archway, GCSU columns, Andalusia, the lake, and the river; and investing in a comprehensive wayfinding signage system that extends to all parts of the community.

Action plan

Short-term
Gather community leaders and private-sector stakeholders for listening sessions to determine gateway signage locations and destinations to be listed on wayfinding signage. Include civic organizations that previously funded current gateway signs.
Medium-term
Circulate an RFP to procure a consulting team to make wayfinding signage system recommendations, including locations, destinations, and design of both wayfinding and monument/gateway signage.
Long-term
Stakeholders and community leaders should formulate an official wayfinding program steering committee to steward the process. The committee should have subcommittees for design, maintenance, and funding. It will help secure sustainable funding sources, oversee implementation, complete sign installation, and maintain the program after installation.

Expected impact

Tourist Spending and Repeat VisitationEconomic

Visitation can be boosted by attracting more tourist spending, creating an opportunity to facilitate positive experiences, and potentially generating repeat visitation.

Community Access and NavigationEconomic

A good wayfinding system can have real financial rewards by improving access to a community and attracting and directing motorists to the town’s center and to attractions, venues, and services.

Wayfinding Spending and Return VisitsEconomic

Businesses and municipalities have realized that well-oriented people are calmer, happier, and more likely to spend money and plan return visits.

Visitor Arrival and Service Access ExperienceCommunity

The recommendation enhances the experience of visitors and residents by enabling them to arrive at their destination safely, find needed services, and leave with a positive perception of the community.

Key stakeholders

Community leadersPrivate-sector stakeholdersCivic organizations that previously funded current gateway signsLocal governmentNonprofit entitiesPrivate entitiesLocal higher post-secondary institutionsCivic organizationsOconee Greenway AuthorityConvention and Visitors BureauCentral State Hospital Local Redevelopment AuthoritySouthern Company-Georgia PowerCity and county governmentsLocal businessesGeorgia DOTCity of Milledgeville GovernmentBaldwin County GovernmentGeorgia Department of Economic DevelopmentGeorgia Cities FoundationGeorgia Municipal AssociationMiddle Georgia Regional CommissionLocal civic organizationsHigher learning organizationsLocal businesses and contractorsGeorgia PowerKeep Milledgeville BeautifulPublic Library

Estimated budget

Total: $825,000. Entry Points: idea exploration and listening sessions $5,000; consultant to design signs $10,000; installation and fabrication of signs $250,000; landscaping and beautification at entry points $500,000; maintenance $10,000. Comprehensive Wayfinding Signage System: signs $20,000; rack cards $10,000; community guides $10,000; maintenance $10,000.